There are a variety of septic tank parts, pumps and components you will need and hear of to keep your septic system functioning well. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed about all the pieces you’re hearing about, join us for a crash course.
Your septic tank pump and your sewage pump are very similar; it’s their destination that differs. They both deal with pump blackwater (water containing feces, urine, or other toxic material) away from your home. The difference lies in where that blackwater ends up.
Your septic tank pump delivers it into your private septic tank, which is used only by your home, while your sewage pump delivers the blackwater to a municipal sewage line.
A sewage grinder, on the other hand, grinds solids that pass through it like a large-scale garburator. This shredding of solids prevents clogs and backs up in the pipes and makes it easier for the blackwater to pass through into the septic tank or sewage system. Your grinder runs a higher risk of breaking down, since it can suffer motor damage or clogging from inappropriate items flushed down the toilet.
Septic effluent pumps and sump pumps are other terms you may hear related to your septic system.
A septic effluent pump is used to move wastewater from a holding chamber to the drainfield. While they are not made to move solids, they are different from a sump pump in that their construction is more durable, since their task is more demanding. These pumps are often used in systems like sand-bed filtration septic systems or raised bed septic systems where the absorption or drainfield is located on higher ground than the septic tank.
A sump pump is used to remove accumulated and unwanted water surface water from a place such as a basement. Sump pumps are usually installed in basements to prevent flooding if water starts to accumulate on the floor. They usually occupy a pit in the corner of a basement and will often have an alarm attached to them that notifies the homeowner if it detects water. Sump pumps are not used to move solids, but mostly just clear water that has resulted from a leak.
As mentioned, not all these components and septic tank parts will be on every system, so it’s important to understand what system you have and what it needs.
